Im on my 3rd mirena and think they're the best thing since sliced bread. The hormones are localised to your womb. I had terrible cramping and bleeding that lasted 8 days and only a 2 week break before it all started again. I am now period and cramp free which lifts my mood no end. Looking back I don't know how I coped.

Have the pill cerezette! Completely stopped my periods and you don't have to have a break every few months.I cant have any that need a break as i get seriously bad migraines like clockwork every break. I get them bad enough as it is so didn't need another thing causing them!

I have your problem and went to Gp this week - I don't like taking contraception either, so have gone down the route of Mefenamic Acid and another med (also something acid) which you take around your period. I used to take mefenamic acid years ago and had forgotten about it, but pain wise, it really works. It stops the clotting which causes the pain. The other med (I can't remember name sorry) is supposed to make the periods lighter.

Can you ask your GP about this option? I promise the mefenamic acid is great for relieving the pain.

Depends why you're on Mirena. I had one and had v light periods, which was great, but I did end up pregnant on it which was not great. Ultrasound showed that it was perfectly in place. So I wouldn't recommend one if it's for contraception. Or use back up.

I have endometriosis and had injections for a year to stop me ovulating (brilliant, but only usually prescribed for 6 months) then Mirena to stop the endometriosis getting worse. As PP's said hormones are localised so less likely to affect you than oral ones. Hated the Mirena, but kept it in to be more likely to be able to concieve when ready (worked :-)) but side effects were most likely to be down to my not having had children at that point.

Mirena made my quite bad PMT much worseBut my periods almost stoppedI think it is different with different people but it is still hormones so it may affect you as the pill has. You won't know until you try it I suppose.

I can't speak to the Mirena, but two of my good friends were suffering appalling mood swings and painful periods and after scans both were found to have quite large cysts on their ovaries. I'm not suggesting you have cysts, but it might be worth getting that checked out before embarking on something that might cause a problem. Further conversation with your GP sounds good.

OP I totally second all the advice about investigating reasons for your heavy/painful periods before attempting to treat it with contraception. I had a small polyp that was causing awful periods. Easy to remove and had immediate effect. I'd put up with really heavy periods for a really long time - I could've kicked myself after I had the op! Best wishes to you

I have to take it for 4 or 5 days of the month, and it really seems to work. If I don't take it I tend to flood uncontrollably during the first few days of my period, which is horrendous and embarrassing. Scans were clear, and blood tests all fine. No reason could be found, so I decided it was worth a try and I am glad I did.

At the age of 47, and for a few other reasons too, I can no longer use hormonal contraceptives, so tranexamic acid was the way to go for me.

If you do decide the Mirena is best for you, do keep a really close eye on your mood swings. I was told that it wouldn't affect my moods but I was virtually homicidal - could feel my blood boiling as I got more and more angry about the smallest thing. It was truly terrifying to have so little control over my moods and as soon as I made the connection with the Mirena, I was down the doctors having it taken out. The doctor tried to persuade me that the two weren't linked but the difference before and after was too much to be a coincidence.

But there are also loads of success stories so hopefully it (or something else) will work for you!